Andy Murray is out of the US Open despite showing plenty of grit against Matteo Berrettini in what proved a dramatic third round match.
The former world No 1 struggled badly on his first serve in the opening stages, and it proved pivotal as the Italian eventually prevailed 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-3. Murray's two wins in New York had represented his best run at a Slam in 2022, and despite missing out on the last 16, will take heart from a battling display.
Berrettini seemed set for a dominant win as he took the first two sets, but the 26-year-old was almost left to rue missing eight chances to break serve over the course of the third set. He lost that on a tie-break, before finally closing things out by winning the fourth and taking a match that lasted almost four hours.
A feature of the first set was Murray noticeably struggling when serving into the sun, and the former world No 1 was forced to save a break point early on. But his ground stroke game looked as strong as ever, with one sensational running backhand pass setting up his own break point.
He couldn't take it though, and although a mishit smash went his way when serving at 3-3, Berrettini fashioned another chance. A double fault duly handed the 13th seed the initiative, and he capitalised from there to take the set 6-4.
And he was immediately in the ascendancy at the start of the second set as another Murray double fault handed his opponent a break. This time though, the Brit responded in kind, winning a lengthy rally to square things up again.
But Murray's first service percentage dropped below 40% during the set, and it seemed only a matter of time before Berrettini took advantage. And at sure enough, at 4-4 he worked himself three break points - and a forehand winner prompted screams of delight as he moved within a game of a two-set lead before duly sealing the deal.
The relentless pressure on Murray's serve continued as he trailed 15-40 in the opening game of the third set, but he dug deep to hold - as he did when faced with the same situation two games later. And although the three-time Slam winner was making little impact on Berrettini's serve, the Italian was still wasting chances, letting three more break points go begging at 5-5.
The set reached the tie-break serve and although the Italian drew first blood with a sublime winner - he was then wide with two further forehands and suddenly, Murray was in the ascendancy. With the crowd firmly behind him, he dominated the remainder to take it 7-1 and give himself renewed hope.
The pair traded breaks in the first two games of the fourth set, with Murray unable to take a chance for another break at 3-3. And then at 4-3 Berrettini, came the defining game of the contest.
A netted volley from the Brit handed his opponent a double break point, and he only needed one via another Murray unforced error. That left Berretini serving for the match, and although Murray took the opening point, three consecutive mistakes put the Italian on the brink.
After serving 17 aces, fittingly, he ended matters with another big serve. Murray however, was still afforded a generous reception from the crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium following a valiant effort.
